David Cameron Step Downs; British Pound Down 8.4%

The British people have voted to leave the European Union, prompting Prime Minister David Cameron to resign from office.

Cameron campaigned heavily for the "stay" camp, but the results of Thursday's Brexit vote dictates the government must begin the process of formally withdrawing from the European Union.

Cameron acknowledged that given his position in the Brexit vote, he isn't best suited to oversee the country's exit.

"I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," he said in an emotional resignation speech. "This is not a decision I've taken lightly, but I do believe it's in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required."

Related Link: Brexit: Cameron Resigns, European Stocks Tank And Pound Hits 30-Year Low

Cameron added he expects a new prime minister to take over the job in October.

Boris Johnson, the ex-mayor of London, is a lead candidate to take over the country's top ranks. He joined the "leave" campaign in February and was very active in promoting the message.

British Pound Tanks

The British pound plunged more than 10 percent initially following the voting results, but by lunchtime in the UK, it slightly recovered and was lower by nearly 8 percent on the day.

The British pound was trading as high as $1.50, but once the Brexit votes came in, the currency reacted.

Early "leave" votes in Northeast England brought the pound lower to $1.43. Once it was apparent that the "leave" campaign would emerge victorious, the pound hit an intra-day low of $1.3236.

By 7:40 a.m. EST, the pound was trading at around $1.37.